System and method for exhibiting diverse products with a label rail system

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods for securely framing an enclosure with an easily formed and integrated inert material, thereby providing a non-reactive environment for securing one or more objects.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 63/138,062, filed Jan. 15, 2021, the contents of whichare incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

Items, objects, exhibits, and products of many and diverse subjects,sizes, and compositions are selected to be exhibited and/or placed inenclosures for display. Examples range from exhibiting rare or ancientitems in a museum to securing family heirlooms in a home. Securing andmaintaining the items in long-term enclosures requires consideration ofthe environment of and within those enclosures. For example, adhesivesused to assemble an enclosure can secrete gases that can be damaging tosome items, including the circumstances where the items actually come incontact with such materials. Further, enclosures made of organicmaterial, such as wood, are commonplace because wood is an easily formedproduct that has been around for centuries, is renewable, and isrelatively inexpensive. However, some items react in the presence oforganic materials, especially within an enclosure that is partially orcompletely sealed from outside air. Such enclosure constructioncomponents may off-gas substances that can be harmful to the exhibitedobjects. Exhibit cases constructed of such components may need an airexchange or filtration system to remove such harmful products,significantly adding to the cost of such enclosures and the difficultyof their maintenance. In fact, some owners, such as museums, who arewilling to share their collections, may require the items be exhibitedin wood-free displays. Museums that reuse exhibit cases may find thatpast used exhibit cases cannot be reused because of the contaminationinherent in the cases, thereby adding to the cost and need forpreplanning to accommodate new exhibits.

It is challenging to identify appropriate construction materials thatmeet the requirements of chemical and physical stability, workability,and aesthetics as well as the requirements of case design. Woodcomposite materials—such as Medium Density Overlay and Medium DensityFiberboard (MDO and MDF)—have been used in the past, but the adhesivecomponents of these boards off-gas damaging pollutants; and most museumshave moved away from using these products. Sintra, a polyvinyl chloride(PVC) foam board, has been used recently in case construction (labelboards and decking) but it is not recommended in the context oflong-term exhibition as it releases low levels of hydrochloric acid onthe slow degradation of the PVC. An aluminum composite with apolyethylene core, Dibond, is another material that has replaced the useof MDO/MDF in case construction; but artificial aging tests suggest thatthis material is not appropriate for long-term exhibition.

Choice of museum case construction materials has a profound impact onthe long-term preservation of art collections. Construction materialsshould not emit pollutants and should have long-term chemical andphysical stability as volatile compounds can interact with and damageart objects. Many materials, for example, most metals, calcium-basedobjects (shell, coral, limestone), lead-glazed ceramics, photographs,lead white paint, can be impacted from airborne pollutants such asacetic and formic acids, formaldehyde, hydrogen sulfide and nitrogenoxides. These harmful volatile compounds are present in materialstraditionally used to construct exhibition cases.

What is needed is an inert material for building exhibit enclosures, thematerial being easy to form into custom enclosures, easily available,and relatively inexpensive.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to present a selection of concepts that arefurther described in greater detail below in the Detailed Description.This summary is not intended to identify all important or requiredfeatures of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to establishthe scope of the claimed subject matter.

According to certain embodiments, a method is provided for implementinga label rail system for supporting an object to be securely displayed,the method including extruding a first aluminum component to form alabel rail body, wherein the label rail body is configured to support adeck, which in turn supports an object to be displayed; extruding asecond aluminum component to form a rail back support, wherein the railback support is configured to securely slide into and engage the labelrail body; and extruding a third aluminum component to form a rimmodifier, wherein the rim modifier is configured to be secured to thelabel rail body and is further configured to securely accept a vitrineor bonnet for displaying the object. The method further includesassembling at least the label rail body, the rim modifier, and thevitrine to provide a secure and environmentally stable enclosure fordisplaying the object, where the label rail body, the rail back support,and the rim modifier consist solely of aluminum. While aluminum is apreferred embodiment for the components of the label rail system, otherinert materials can be used.

Additional embodiments are directed to a label rail system for providinga secure enclosure for displaying an object, the system including ahousing structure containing mechanical components and electricalcomponents, the housing structure configured to be secured to afoundation and comprising a base for a display enclosure. The systemfurther includes an exhibit enclosure secured to the housing structure,the exhibit enclosure including a label rail system integrated with theexhibit enclosure, the label rail system in turn including at least twoor more label rail bodies constructed solely of an inert material; and arim modifier secured to each of the two or more label rail bodies, therim modifier constructed solely of an inert material. The exhibitenclosure further includes a deck secured to the label rail system andforming an enclosure above the deck and framed by the label rail system,the deck supporting an object being exhibited within the secureenclosure; and a vitrine secured to the rim modifier, the vitrineforming a secured enclosure exhibiting an object within the vitrine.

Embodiments of this technology provide significant benefits overexisting technologies in that they can provide an interlocking andself-supporting enclosure constructed of aluminum. Aluminum is easilymachined and extruded; it is inert, lightweight, durable, and fire andcorrosion resistant, making it an ideal material for museum use. Inaddition, the proposed system can be installed without the use ofadhesives, which can be a source of airborne pollutants.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention has other features and advantages which will beapparent from or are set forth in more detail in the accompanyingdrawings, which are incorporated herein, and the following DetailedDescription, which together serve to explain certain principles of thepresent invention and to enable a person of ordinary skill in the art tomake and use the embodiments disclosed herein. In the drawings, likereference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements.The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this disclosure, illustrate various aspects of this label railsystem and method. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 illustrates a label rail body and a rail back support showingclearance tolerances.

FIG. 2 illustrates a label rail body profile.

FIG. 3 illustrates a rail back support profile.

FIG. 4 illustrates a rim modifier profile.

FIG. 5 illustrates a label rail body and a rail back support profile.

FIG. 6 illustrates a label rail body and a rail back support showingclearance tolerances.

FIG. 7 illustrates a label rail body being cut at a 45 degree, compoundangle.

FIG. 8 illustrates label rail body corners joined with corner hardware.

FIG. 9 illustrates a rail back support installed on a section of a labelrail body.

FIG. 10 illustrates the underside of a completed label rail body framewith rail back support sections installed.

FIG. 11 illustrates a corner detail of an assembled label rail bodyframe.

FIG. 12 illustrates an assembled label rail body frame.

FIG. 13 illustrates a fully assembled label rail system installed on anexhibition case. Shown with an acrylic deck.

FIG. 14 illustrates a fully assembled label rail system installed on anexhibition case. Shown with an acrylic deck, welded acrylic risers, andunfinished sides.

FIG. 15 illustrates a fully assembled label rail system installed on anexhibition case. Shown with an acrylic deck, welded acrylic risers, andfinished sides.

FIG. 16 illustrates a rim modifier profile.

FIGS. 17-18 illustrates a section of a fully assembled exhibit frame forenclosing an exhibit, including a label rail body, a rail back support,and a rim modifier.

FIG. 19 illustrates a section of a fully assembled exhibit frame forenclosing an exhibit, including a label rail body, a rail back support,and a rim modifier, along with a brace for fastening the corners of theframe.

FIGS. 20-22 illustrate a label rail body with a brace for fastening thelabel rail body at a frame corner.

FIG. 23 illustrates a section of a fully assembled exhibit frame forenclosing an exhibit, including a label rail body, a rail back support,and a rim modifier.

FIGS. 24-27 illustrate a fully assembled exhibit frame in a verticalorientation, formed with rim modifier components.

FIG. 28 illustrates two fully assembled exhibit frames, one in ahorizontal orientation located on a floor stand and one in a verticalorientation fastened to a vertical member, such as a display or wall,formed with rim modifier components.

FIG. 29 illustrates an exhibit frame being assembled with rim modifiercomponents fastened onto two sides.

FIG. 30 illustrates a corner of an exhibit frame being assembled withrim modifier components.

FIG. 31 illustrates a fully assembled exhibit frame in a horizontalorientation located on a floor stand.

FIG. 32 illustrates a wall cleat to which the assembled exhibit frame ofFIG. 24 can be fastened.

FIG. 33 illustrates a rim modifier jig.

FIG. 34 illustrates a section of a rim modifier being stabilized by arim modifier jig while being cut to length.

It should be understood that the appended drawings are not necessarilyto scale, presenting a somewhat simplified representation of variousfeatures illustrative of the basic principles of the invention. Thespecific design features of the present invention as disclosed herein,including, for example, specific dimensions, orientations, locations,and shapes can be determined in part by persons of ordinary skill in theart for the particular intended application and use environments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The label rail system provides the best of museum-quality casecomponents and aesthetics to the individual fabricators/museums notwanting to purchase expensive, made-to-order cases from largemanufacturers. Because this invention is produced and purchased as stockmaterial, rather than a finished product, the consumer maintains fullflexibility to fabricate and modify their own custom products based onspecific, individual case needs.

The disclosed label rail system has been designed to provide ahigh-quality option for label rail/riser components in exhibitioncasework, that exceeds strict conservation requirements, and isavailable to the custom fabricator. This product is produced as aready-to-cut material that can be cut, assembled, and finished byin-house production shops of any scale with basic tools. This system hasbeen developed for application in new case construction, as well as formodification and upgrading of existing exhibition cases. The label railsystem and components described in the various embodiments below addressmany of the limitations of existing enclosure construction materials,satisfy exhibit requirements of sharing museums, and safely securecollections within an inert enclosure with no degradation of theenclosed items.

The label rail system consists of three interlocking components. Thesecomponents are designed to connect together as a complete assembly or assingle, standalone components. Various configurations are shown in theattached figures. The label rail body is shown in FIGS. 2, 5, and 6. Therail back support is shown in FIGS. 3, 5, and 6. The rim modifier isshown in FIGS. 4 and 16. An assembled exhibit frame consisting of alabel rail body, a rail back support, and a rim modifier is shown inFIGS. 17, 18, 19, and 23. The label rail body and the rail back supportare shown separately in FIG. 5 and as integrated together in FIGS. 6 and9. The dimensions shown in FIGS. 2-5 are intended to be exemplary andnot limiting.

The label rail body, the rail back support, and the rim modifier areconstructed of and extruded from aluminum stock. Often the stockaluminum is available in 96 inch long pieces, but can easily be cut intoshorter lengths before or after the three exemplary interlockingcomponents are extruded. However, with use of the rail back support, asshown in FIG. 9, any length beyond 96 inches can be constructed. 6061-T6aluminum alloy has been found to be particularly useful for extrudingthe components, and can be welded if the fabricator so chooses. Forexample, the corners or junctions of the components could be welded asan alternative to using the corner brackets shown in FIGS. 8 and 10. Dueto the solution heat-treated temper of this alloy, it is notorious forits strength and resistance to bending. Aluminum can be considered inertand is therefore an excellent choice for the construction ofpreservation-quality museum case components. Because of the inertcharacteristic of the components of the label rail system, framing builtof these components would not require traditional and time-consumingmuseum materials testing. The use of aluminum for the label rail systemprovides a versatile, flexible, and secure framing system for enclosingand displaying items while provided required chemical and physicalstability. However, embodiments of this system can use inert materialsother than aluminum.

The label rail body, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, is the main componentfor this system; and is designated in the figures as element 102. Itsupports the display case deck, as shown in FIGS. 13, 14, and 15;provides an angled surface for the case label; and (in conjunction withthe deck) separates the object cavity from the case cabinet cavity,which in turn can house various mechanical and electrical components.While one design for the label rail body is shown in the figures,variations of this design are contemplated, to be integrated withcorresponding variations of the rail back support and rim modifier, toprovide for a range of label rail heights to accommodate larger andsmaller case label surface areas. Variations can also be offered with arange of standard rail angles, other than the 45 degree angles shown inFIGS. 2, 3, 5, 17-19, and 23. In accordance with its name, and as shownin FIG. 15, the outside surface of the label rail body can be utilizedfor an attachment, painting, or engraving of information related to theitem or exhibit shown within the case bounded by the label rail system.

The rail back support, as shown in FIGS. 3, 5,17-19, 22, and 23, can bedesigned to integrate with any label rail body variation; and isdesignated in the figures as element 104. A variety of wall thicknessescan be offered in any of the three components, which can provide avariety of ranges of total load capacity. The rail back support, whenused with and inserted within the label rail body, can extend the usefullength of the label rail body well beyond 96 inches and can furtherstrengthen the label rail system.

The rim modifier component, as shown in FIGS. 4, 16, 17-19, 23, 25, and31, is the connection point for the display case vitrine/bonnet, whichcan be slipped into and secured in a rabbit formed in the rim modifier;and is designated in the figures as element 106. The rim modifier can beproduced in various dimensions to accommodate various vitrinethicknesses ranging, for example, from 0.25 inches to 0.75 inches. It issecured to the top rim of the case cabinet and is designed to receivethe vitrine. In this manner, various thickness of vitrine can beaccommodated with the exemplary label rail system. When the rim modifieris used, it can also act as a secure receiver for the label rail body.The rim modifiers can be integrated with optional, preinstalledvitrine/bonnet compression gaskets for sealing the enclosure. While notshown in the figures, the vitrine can be secured within the rim modifierwith screws; and is designated in the figures as element 107.

In alternate embodiments, the rim modifier can be utilized as the entireexhibit frame, without employing either the label rail body or the railback support. Examples of this embodiment are shown in FIGS. 24-31.Advantages of solely utilizing rim modifier components to enclose andsecure an exhibit include simplified construction, lower materials andfabrication time and costs, and more flexibility in the design of theexhibit and exhibit framing. The rim modifier is designed in such amanner to not only be self-supporting but also to provide designcomponents to secure the vitrine enclosing and to secure the exhibit,while also satisfying conservation requirements. While the figures donot show braces or rail back supports for joining the contact points forthe rim modifier, these contact points can be secured by fastening thepieces of the rim modifier to the base supporting the enclosure and/orthe deck supporting the exhibited object, as shown in FIGS. 18, 25, 27,29, and 30. FIGS. 33 and 34 show a rim modifier jig 110 that is used tostabilize the rim modifier 106 while the rim modifier is being cut tosize for a particular exhibit frame.

FIGS. 24, 25, 28, and 31 show four pieces of the rim modifier assembledtogether to form an enclosure frame. Alternate embodiments can comprisemore or fewer rim modifier pieces to be assembled together to form theframe. For example, a single rim modifier piece formed in a circulararrangement can be used to form a frame. Similarly, three rim modifierpieces can be assembled to form a triangular frame. More than four rimmodifier pieces can be used to assemble a multi-sided enclosure frame.

FIGS. 19-22 also show a brace for securing the corners of the exhibitframe such that the exhibit frame can be conveniently located, fastened,and handled as a signal piece, with the brace being designated aselement 108 in the figures. While various figures show the exhibit framecomprising four sides, embodiments of this invention are not so limited;and any number of exhibits sides can be utilized to securely enclose anexhibit in other than a rectangular or square placement, includingcurved sections. Further, the exhibit frame can be constructed of thecomponents described herein and fixed to a stable base in anyorientation. While many exhibits are located on floor-mounted stands, asshown in FIGS. 13-15, 31, and 32, embodiments of this invention are notso limited. For example, the constructed framing can be locatedvertically, as shown in FIGS. 24-28. Additionally, given the securedesign, construction, and inter-connectivity of the label rail body, therail back support, the rim modifier, and the brace, the constructedframing can be located at any angle, from horizontal (floor-based) tovertical (wall-based) to suspended (ceiling based). The exhibit framingcan be attached to the underside of the ceiling or to the underside of astructure or enclosure in an exhibit hall for displaying exhibits.Additionally, the label rail system components can be assembled togethersuch that the exhibit enclosure comprises a multi-plane enclosure, suchas, for example and not limitation, an L-shaped enclosure, portions ofwhich are parallel to a horizontal surface and portions of which areparallel to a vertical surface. Each of the label rail body, the railback support, and the rim modifier can be utilized alone or in anycombination for constructing an exhibit frame for securing an exhibit ordisplay.

The stock aluminum material can be cut with a miter saw or verticalbandsaw, as can the finished label rail system components. The cornerjoints can be assembled using expansion clips or brackets, such as shownwith the 90 degree corners of FIGS. 8 and 10. The simplicity of thissystem allows for even the smallest of shops to fabricate high-qualitydisplay cases that meet and/or exceed strict conservation labrequirements. When additional strength is needed to carry heavier loads,the rail back support component can be used in conjunction with thelabel rail body to dramatically increase load capacity, as shown inFIGS. 9, 18, and 19. The rail back support slides into the underside ofthe label rail body, as shown in FIGS. 1, 6, 9, 18, 19, and 23.Additionally, when lengths of label rail body longer than 96 inches areneeded, the rail back support acts as a mending plate to securely joinadditional sections together, as shown in FIG. 9.

The label rail system is also reusable. Following the deinstallation ofthe label rail system, the mechanical corner clamps (braces) as shown inFIGS. 8, 10, and 19-22 can be simply removed, and all parts can bereused again and again as a significant cost savings for futureexhibitions.

Variations of the label rail system's components and profiles can bemodified to accommodate any number of exhibit case construction stylesand dimensions. For example, the components can be designed and formedin curved configuration and style, potentially eliminating the need forthe corner brackets shown in FIGS. 8 and 10. In such an embodiment, thematerial may need to be formed following extrusion, and prior totempering. An added benefit of a curved profile is increased strength.

An additional embodiment of the label rail system would be ashadowbox-style framing system to provide a low-profile desiccantchamber behind the object cavity. Such a system could be fitted withsilicone compression gaskets to maintain a controlled environmentwithin. The corner-joining system would be the same as discussed above.

The label rail system can be integrated in a display or exhibition case,as shown in FIGS. 13-15. Such an exhibition case provides for at leastthree secure enclosures. The first such enclosure is within theexhibition case itself, located below and supporting the label railsystem. The second such enclosure is within the label rail bodyenclosure and underneath the deck attached to the top of the label railbody system. The third such enclosure is enclosed by the vitrine/bonnetand provides the space for displaying the object or exhibit. In someembodiments, the second enclosure can be considered part of and withinthe third enclosure. While the vitrine is typically clear, various tintsor selective clear and opaque portions are envisioned, depending on thenature of the object on display. Each of these three spaces can besecured to each other in such a manner that only authorized personnelcan access the particular space. The exhibition case can be secured tothe floor of the exhibition space, or to a piece of furniture or ashelf, with connections that are optionally not externally visible. Inan alternate embodiment, the second and third enclosures, together, cancomprise the exhibit without the combined exhibit case. In any suchconfiguration, the surface upon which the exhibition case or thecombined second and third enclosure is placed can be considered thefoundation for the display, and to which the display can be secured. Thefirst or second enclosure can house such support equipment andcomponents as a fan, heating/cooling components, filtering andabsorption components, electricity, power sources, sound and/or lightgenerating components, environmental sensors, alarm components, fluidhandling components, and electronic components. The electroniccomponents can provide a variety of lighting and sound effects relatedto the object being exhibited and can include batteries and wired andwireless connections to power sources and signaling. Each of the threeenclosures can be utilized as a desiccant chamber for maintaining therequired humidity within the third enclosure. A controlled air sourceproviding acceptable temperature and humidity levels can be supplied tothe exhibit case through a concealed vent in the foundation underneaththe case. Alternately, temperature and humidity control components canbe housed in the first or second enclosures to assist in maintaining theproper environment in the third enclosure for the displayed objects.Vents as shown in FIG. 14 can be provided for air intake and/orexhaustion. Further, buttons or switches (not shown) for activatingvarious features within the exhibit can be integrated in the label railbody or rim modifier, as can lights for indicating various conditions orfeatures within the exhibit.

The foregoing descriptions of specific exemplary embodiments of thepresent invention have been presented for purposes of illustration anddescription. They are not intended to be exhaustive nor to limit theinvention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously manymodifications and variations are possible in light of the aboveteachings. The exemplary embodiments were chosen and described in orderto explain certain principles of the invention and their practicalapplication, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to make andutilize various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, as wellas various alternatives and modifications thereof. It is intended thatthe scope of the invention be defined by the Claims appended hereto andtheir equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for providing a label rail system forsupporting an object to be securely displayed, comprising: extruding afirst aluminum component to form a label rail body, wherein the labelrail body is configured to support a deck, which in turn supports anobject to be displayed; extruding a second aluminum component to form arail back support, wherein the rail back support is configured tosecurely slide into and engage the label rail body; extruding a thirdaluminum component to form a rim modifier, wherein the rim modifier isconfigured to be secured to the label rail body and is furtherconfigured to securely accept a vitrine for displaying the object; andassembling at least the label rail body, the rim modifier, and thevitrine to provide a secure and environmentally stable enclosure fordisplaying the object, wherein the label rail body, the rail backsupport, and the rim modifier consist solely of aluminum.
 2. The methodof claim 1, wherein the assembled enclosure is self-supporting; andwherein the assembled enclosure is configured to be affixed to a base ina horizontal position and also configured to be affixed to another baseat any angle from the horizontal position.
 3. The method of claim 1,wherein the assembled components of the enclosure comprise multiplepieces of the label rail body, the rim modifier, and the vitrine,wherein the multiple pieces of the label rail body are attached withbraces.
 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising assembling thelabel rail body, the rail back support, the rim modifier, and thevitrine to provide a secure and environmentally stable enclosure fordisplaying the object.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the assembledlabel rail body, the rim modifier, the deck, and the vitrine are securedto a base cabinet, wherein the base cabinet includes an enclosurehousing support equipment for the display of the object.
 6. The methodof claim 1, wherein the vitrine is configured to completely enclose theobject being displayed.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the rimmodifier is cut to size with the aid of a rim modifier jig.
 8. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the material of the label rail body, the railback support, and the rim modifier is comprised of an inert materialother than aluminum.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the assembledenclosure is fastened to a base, forming an enclosure above and belowthe deck; and wherein the below deck enclosure houses mechanical andelectrical components related to the object being displayed in the abovedeck enclosure.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the rail back supportcomponent can be utilized to connect two or more label rail bodiestogether without fasteners.
 11. A label rail system for providing asecure enclosure for displaying an object, comprising: a housingstructure containing mechanical components and electrical components,the housing structure configured to be secured to a foundation andcomprising a base for a display enclosure; an exhibit enclosure securedto the housing structure, comprising: a label rail system integratedwith the exhibit enclosure, the label rail system comprising: at leasttwo or more label rail bodies constructed solely of an inert material;and a rim modifier secured to each of the two or more label rail bodies,the rim modifier constructed solely of an inert material; a deck securedto the label rail system and forming an enclosure above the deck andframed by the label rail system, the deck supporting an object beingexhibited within the secure enclosure; and a vitrine secured to the rimmodifier, the vitrine forming a secured enclosure exhibiting an objectwithin the vitrine.
 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the exhibitenclosure is self-supporting; and wherein the exhibit enclosure isconfigured to be affixed to the foundation in a horizontal position andalso configured to be affixed to another base at any angle from thehorizontal position.
 13. The system of claim 11, wherein the componentsof the exhibit enclosure comprise multiple pieces of the label railbody, the rim modifier, and the vitrine, wherein the multiple pieces ofthe label rail body are attached with braces.
 14. The system of claim11, wherein the components of the exhibit enclosure are assembledtogether to provide a secure and environmentally stable enclosure fordisplaying the object.
 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the assembledcomponents of the exhibit enclosure are secured to a base cabinet,wherein the base cabinet includes an enclosure housing support equipmentfor the display of the object.
 16. The system of claim 11, wherein thevitrine is configured to completely enclose the object being displayed.17. The system of claim 11, wherein the rim modifier is cut to size withthe aid of a rim modifier jig.
 18. The system of claim 11, wherein thematerial of the label rail body, the rail back support, and the rimmodifier is comprised of aluminum.
 19. The system of claim 11, whereinthe exhibit enclosure is fastened to a base, forming an enclosure aboveand below the deck; and wherein the below deck enclosure housesmechanical and electrical components related to the object beingdisplayed in the above deck enclosure.
 20. The system of claim 11,wherein the rail back support component can be utilized to connect twoor more label rail bodies together without fasteners.